In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, the 2024 season unveiled an array of compelling narratives and standout performances that captivated fans and analysts alike. From powerful hitters to resolute pitchers, the season proved to be an intriguing chapter in the annals of baseball history.
Slugging Sensations
The long ball remained a defining feature of the season, with several power hitters etching their names into the record books. Juan Soto, entering free agency after a majestic run, showcased his prowess by hitting at least 35 home runs in consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso continued to affirm his reputation as one of the league's premier sluggers, maintaining a streak of hitting over 30 home runs in every full season of his career. Equally impressive was Anthony Santander, who became the first switch-hitter since 2006 to achieve 40 or more home runs in a season—a feat that enhanced his standing among the game's elite.
Teoscar Hernández also put together another impressive campaign, marking his fourth out of five standout seasons. On a similar note, Joc Pederson soared to new heights with a career-best 151 OPS+, demonstrating his significant offensive contribution. For others like Gleyber Torres, the 2024 season was a mixed bag, as he registered the second-lowest OPS+ of his career in a walk year—a statistic that could influence his next contract negotiation.
Pitching Precision and Adaptability
On the mound, Corbin Burnes earned All-Star honors for the fourth consecutive season, underscoring his dominance as a top-tier pitcher. Blake Snell's unique blend of skill and consistency earned him his second Cy Young Award, consolidating his legacy as one of the era's finest pitchers. Meanwhile, Max Fried distinguished himself with the best ERA+ among left-handed pitchers with a minimum of 200 innings pitched since 2020. His performance hinted at a continued trajectory of excellence.
Adaptability was a key theme for several pitchers. Sean Manaea, inspired by the mechanics of Chris Sale, modified his delivery, leading to significant improvements. Similarly, Jack Flaherty adjusted his fastball axis and pitch mix to bolster his effectiveness on the mound. For veteran Blake Treinen, surpassing his 2021 form was a testament to his resilience in the face of past injuries.
Recoveries and Setbacks
As with any athletic endeavor, the season was not without its injuries. Max Scherzer's campaign was curtailed with a mere nine starts, a situation that undoubtedly affected his team’s rotation strategy. Shane Bieber faces a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery, with expectations set for a return by mid-2025. Ha-Seong Kim, requiring shoulder surgery, might also find himself on the sidelines for the start of the next season.
Nonetheless, some players found ways to rebound and deliver. Luis Severino adjusted his pitch arsenal, enjoying a renaissance that proved invaluable to his team. Within the same narrative, Yusei Kikuchi posted an impressive 147 ERA+ after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, an acquisition that bolstered the team's playoff aspirations.
Emerging and Consistent Stars
Beyond the usual suspects, several players captivated audiences with breakout or consistent performances. Cristian Walker continued his dominance at first base, while Jurickson Profar enjoyed his first star-caliber season at age 31, demonstrating that perseverance can yield success later in one’s career. In the bullpen, Carlos Estévez achieved a career-best 171 ERA+, underscoring his role as a reliable reliever.
Rotation stalwarts like Charlie Morton, who made over 30 appearances each of the past four years, and Kirby Yates, who threw 60 innings in consecutive seasons, reaffirmed their dependability. Jeff Hoffman shone with a stellar 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, illustrating the depth of the team's pitching roster.
Unforgettable Performances
No conversation about standout achievements would be complete without mentioning Roki Sasaki’s 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022—a performance that still resonates profoundly within the baseball community. Finally, in a story of redemption and timing, Walker Buehler closed out the World Series despite a lackluster regular season, reminding everyone that championship pedigree can't always be measured in regular season statistics.
As the dust settles on another remarkable season, the narratives, triumphs, and challenges will linger in the minds of fans and analysts, setting the stage for yet another exhilarating chapter in Major League Baseball.